President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak paid a visit to the United States from April 15 to 19. During the visit, President Lee and President George W. Bush of the United States had a bilateral Summit at Camp David on April 19, discussing matters of mutual interest as follows :

1) The Korea-U.S Alliance 

The two leaders reaffirmed that both Korea and the US have been developing a strong alliance on the basis of traditional friendly and cooperative relationship. In order to effectively address new security challenges of the 21st century and changes to the situation in and out of their countries, both Presidents agreed to develop the current ROK-US alliance into a strategic alliance that seeks to enlarge common interests on the basis of universal values and strong trust. They directed their relevant ministers and secretaries to prepare ways for the development of the strategic alliance.

In the common recognition that the presence of the US forces in Korea is essential to peace and prospertiy on the Korean peninsula and in Northeast Asia, both Presidents shared the view that maintaining robust US forces' capabilities in Korea is of critical importnace. They also agreed to continue efforts to maintain and strengthen ROK-US combined defense capabilities by successfully implementing the agreements regarding alliance readjustment, including relocation and realignment of the US forces in Korea and transition of the wartime operational control.

2) North Korean Nuclear Issue

The two leaders reemphasized that a nuclear-armed North Korea will not be condoned. They reaffirmed that the North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means, and committed to making utmost efforts through the Six-Party Talks process to urge North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program expeditiously. The two President reviewed the current status of the Second Phase actions implementing the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005, and expressed their concern at the delay in North Korea's complete declaration of its nuclear programs.

They urged North Korea to expeditiously complete the disablement of its Yongbyon nuclear facilities and to submit a complete and correct declaration of all its nuclear programs. They affirmed that both Korea and the US will actively take all measures corresponding to North Korea's actions. President Bush expressed that once North Korea makes strategic decision to denuclearize and puts it into action, the US will actively explore ways to improve relations with North Korea correspondingly. President Lee explained his policy to implement the "Denuclearization, Openness, 3000" initiative on the premise that North Korea dismantles its nuclear programs, and President Bush expressed his full support for the initiative.

3) Korea-U.S. FTA

The two leaders shared the view that entry into force of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement(KORUS FTA) would further deepen and strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations, to the significant benefit of both nations. They noted that in a time of economic uncertainty, agreements like the KORUS FTA that will create additional jobs and opportunities for both nations are particularly valuable. They pledged to make every effort to urge their respective legislatures to approve the KORUS FTA within this year. 

4) Korea’s Participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The two leaders shared the view that Korea’s participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program(VWP) will be an important turning point in upgrading the bilateral relationship in various economic, social, and cultural areas. On the basis of such understanding, the two Presidents agreed to make every effort to realize Korea’s participation in the VWP within this year, and in this regard welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding on the VWP that was signed during President Lee’s visit.

President Lee’s visit to the U.S. served as a milestone for developing the Korea-U.S. relationship and consolidating the foundation of trust for the bilateral alliance.